FROM IKHILI EBALU, BENIN CITY
Women and youths of South Ibie community in Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State have accused operatives of South Ibie Divisional Police Headquarters of masterminding the escape of a suspected female human trafficker from custody.
They made the allegation during a protest at the premises of the police station.
The protesters, who also visited the palace of the traditional ruler and Aidonogie of South Ibie, Alhaji Aliyu Danesi, called for the re-arrest of the suspect, simply identified as Mrs Anita, to face justice.
They alleged that Anita, who hails from the South-Eastern part of the country, was arrested by members of Edo State Security Corps in South Ibie for allegedly abducting four male teenagers.
They alleged that the Security Corps handed over the suspect to the Divisional Police Headquarters for investigation and prosecution, but were surprised to learn that she was released a few days later.
One of the protesters, who declined to give her name, alleged that the suspect kidnapped the victims under the pretence of taking them to Lagos State to learn internet fraud, popularly known as “Yahoo Yahoo.”
She said, “We are protesting because of the kidnapping of our children by a lady who claimed that she wanted to take them to Lagos State to teach them ‘Yahoo Yahoo.’ We also heard that she planned to sell the four boys in Lagos.
“Since then, they have been asking her to write a statement at the police station, but she refused.
“We gathered that the suspect demanded to be taken to Auchi Area Command before she would write any statement.”
AljazirahNigeria gathered that the suspect has been boasting that she has connection and that she can never be arrested or detained. Today, we are here protesting because we heard she has been released by the police.
Addressing the protesters, the Divisional Police Officer, DPO, CSP Anthony assured them that the suspect would be re-arrested.
CSP Anthony informed them that the officers on duty when the incident occurred had already been reported to the Edo State Police Command for disciplinary action.
The paramount ruler of the community, who expressed disappointment over the incident, told the protesters that he had personally reported the matter to the commissioner of police.
“I have already called the xommissioner of police to report this matter. He is aware of it and has promised me that he will do the needful to ensure that the woman is apprehended.
“The issue of human trafficking and kidnapping is not a minor offence. It is a felony and Governor Monday Okpebholo is not taking the matter lightly.
“He has taken a firm stand that when someone is caught for kidnapping or trafficking, not only will the person be prosecuted and sentenced accordingly, but all the person’s properties will also be confiscated by government.”
The traditional ruler also commended Edo State Security Corps, particularly South Ibie sector, for their ongoing fight against insecurity in the kingdom.
Narrating their ordeal, one of the victims, Ahmed Ismail, alleged that the suspect took the four of them into a vehicle and drove them to her house.
He added that after asking them to bathe, she passed a clay pot around their heads several times and had scheduled a night meeting with them before she was arrested.
